Recognizing God-Talk

I have come to find that learning God’s “language” (how He talks to me) is a wonderful adventure. He speaks to us in so many ways – His Word, dreams, visions, that “inner voice,” through others, a sense of knowing or feeling, and more (though I do have to say, not generally through my shoe). I love that He is not religious in any sense and doesn’t confine His talking with me to my prayer closet. Rather, He delights in creatively speaking throughout the day, and night, in simply natural moments. And the more that I recognize His voice the more I learn to engage with His presence and take to heart what He is saying.

Recognizing God’s talking to us through life situations takes the simplicity of life and makes it, well, simply supernatural. The following is a powerful word He recently spoke to me as I was playing a card game with my husband and some friends. The four of us were at the kitchen table and the game involved four rounds of play. While each round had a winner, there was also a winner of the four rounds in total.

In the first round I lost terribly. I mean really bad. By the end of the second round I was trailing way behind everyone. I lost the third round, too, and continued in last place (I don’t generally do so bad at this game). However, at the beginning of the fourth round, I suddenly stated with confidence, “I’m going to win this round!” It wasn’t a mere declaration of desire, nor an arrogant assertion. I felt the words come from my spirit. It was as if I knew it as a fact. And sure enough, I not only won the last round, but my points excelled to win the entire evening of play. What was most notable was that my hand in that round was unlike any that evening – it was loaded with the right cards that laid out quickly, ending the game in a whirl of action that propelled me from last place to first. We all sat there shocked!

And here’s what I heard the Lord say:

“This new season is one of acceleration and promotion as I reposition My people for Kingdom advancement. I’m ‘dealing’ a new hand.” Immediately I remembered a word He had spoken to me a year ago from Ezekiel 36:11, “…I will treat you better than at the first. Thus you will know that I am the Lord” (NASB). Another version says, “I will do you MORE good than before.” This word in Ezekiel was a declaration of good from God toward His people because of the oppression of the enemy who had “desolated and swallowed God’s people on every side”. God was in a “that’s enough!” mode regarding the desolate wastes and abandoned cities of His people who were being shamed and preyed on by surrounding nations.

God’s reply to the situation of His covenant loved ones was: I am raising My hand regarding the enemy; I will multiply you, rebuild you, cause you to be fruitful, and remove reproach from you”. God was declaring that He was about to supernaturally intervene and thrust His people from lack and loss to promotion and provision. He was going to “deal” them a “new hand”.

This past season has been one of transition for the Body of Christ. Many have waited in a hidden place, others have experienced loss or great difficulty, unable to get ahead, or succeed in what they knew God had called them to. But a “new hand” – the Hand of the Lord – is being outstretched. He is working on behalf of His called out ones. Get ready for accelerated promotion! “It’s time to come forth!” Begin to declare your new day with confidence in Him as you let the Spirit of faith rise in you. Don’t look back to what was or has been. Look forward. Look at Him. You are about to recover lost things, gain new ground, and bear fresh fruit. Look for His movement and speaking to you as He supernaturally moves you to the forefront of His good plans for you.


J. Nicole – Abba’s Daughter
Identity Matters Today
(pic by www.shoediaries.com)

Heaven's Secret of Success

Many have been asking when my new book will be out, well, it’s out! The title is: Heaven’s Secret of Success – cultivating your identity from seed to harvest.

Heaven’s Secret of Success is about the true success (as defined by Jesus) that you and I were created to experience as God’s son or daughter with power! Our identity in Him begins with the seed of His Word (His DNA) planted in us at re-birth in Christ – a seed that has an intended harvest that will glorify Father and bring healing of the nations. But as with any harvest, that seed has a journey, one that needs a favorable environment to grow!

Rich insights will help you understand the journey of the seed inside you (both natural and spiritual), its power as well as its challenges and adversities. Learn how to strengthen yourself in the Lord, break free from places where you’ve gotten “stuck”, recognize distractions and opposition, and stop the enemy from continuing to steal your harvest. See the words and dreams God’s given you come to fruition. It’s time to know God, and who you are in Him. The valued and unique life and gifts inside you matter!

Copies can be purchased from Barnes and Noble 0n-line or from Amazon.com. I am also working on a website called Identity Matters Today from which you will soon be able to obtain copies.

I pray this book blesses you on your journey to live in the fullness of who you are as Abba’s child. Your life is a gift.

J. Nicole Williamson – Abba’s daughter

God Calls Out Our Identity

I love how God—as a wonderful Father—calls out our identity (even when we don’t recognize it ourselves). When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, Abba Father said, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” The Father wasn’t distant or indifferent to His Son’s humble life on earth. Nor is He with ours.

Okay, well that’s Jesus, we say — we all know how special He is to the Father. But let’s look at Joseph, Jesus’ step-dad. In Matthew 1:20, an angel of the Lord comes to him in a dream and calls him, “Joseph son of David…” Joseph was a simple carpenter living a humble life in a religious nation ruled by an ungodly government, yet he came from a line of kings. Heaven saw who he was no matter what his trade or status appeared to be, and God had a work for him to do.

We can look at Gideon, too, who was hiding from the enemy, threshing wheat in the bottom of a wine-press when the angel of the Lord said, “The Lord is with you, oh mighty warrior! Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the Midian’s hand. I am sending you!” His response was, “Uhm, think you got the wrong guy here—my clan is the weakest in the whole tribe and I am least in my entire family!” (Jdgs 6) Gideon saw himself through the lenses of his problems and personal lack, but God saw Gideon’s identity in link with Himself and called out his identity as being a mighty man of valor. God saw a son with all of heaven’s resources available to him for the work that He was sending him to do.

No matter what our circumstance, status, or personal lack appears to be in our eyes, Abba Father sees us as kings, as mighty men and women of valor for the special and specific work He has for us to do. He sees us in the light of His ability in and through us as children in His likeness.

Today is the day to see ourselves from His perspective instead of what the world, the flesh, and the devil paint before our mind’s eyes. It’s time to step into who we are in Christ—mighty royal ones in humble places called to do exploits.

“Go in this might of yours. . . I am sending you!”

Abba’s Daughter - “As He is, so are we in this world.” 1 John 4:17b
Pic by crossroadsinitiative.com

The Power of Prayer

Never underestimate who you are as a child of God. The Spirit of God in you and your words carry power—power to heal, deliver, and even calm storms!

This past week, my husband and I, along with some friends, went on a cruise down along the Mexican coast. Not long after we set out, we began hearing reports of hurricane Rina . . . heading our way! Port dates were changed so we could still experience the full cruise plan and minimize possible harm by the approaching storm.

We arrived in Cozumel a day early and though the weather was beautiful, Rina was scheduled to arrive in less than 30 hours. Stores were open, but owners and employees were working fast to board up windows. As I spoke to a local man, he shared his fears about what might happen, remembering the year long recovery from hurricane Wilma in 2005.

As we walked the streets, we prayed. We asked the Lord to release angels to protect the city. We spoke blessing over the people, businesses, and homes and the comfort of the Lord. We spoke to the storm center to cease its rage and break its cycle. I know that our prayers joined with many, and I believe that is the reason that the near level 3 hurricane was soon downgraded to a tropical depression. While the areas received high winds and much rain, the region was spared terrible tragedy.

We could have complained about having missed an excursion or extra hours on the island, but I delight in thinking we were there for a greater purpose—to pray. Looking at things from the perspective of relationship with God can turn a disappointing moment to a purposeful encounter—one that joins with God in releasing heaven’s presence on earth. How joyful is that! That’s how Jesus lived on earth—that’s how I want to live.

What circumstance do you need turned to purposeful encounter?

“All things are possible to him who believes”—Jesus (Mark 9:23b)


J. Nicole - “As He is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17b)
pic by petersbooth.com

IDENTITY MATTERS

Next month, my newest book called Heaven’s Secret of Success will be coming out. It’s about understanding who we are as a child of God, and how to grow our unique seed of identity to full harvest—with fruitfulness that glorifies the Father. This includes the “make-up” of our spiritual nature and gifts given in Christ, as well as our natural talents, personality, divine calling and career.

I’m excited about this message, because I believe that too many people, even in the body of Christ, don’t know who they are—they don’t grasp the significance of the powerful DNA they carry for the healing of the nations, now, this very moment, not somewhere in the millennium or eternity future.

Today, as I (and the millions across America) reflect on the events of 9/11/2001, I grieve over the false identity that those 9 men embraced for the destruction of this nation. I grieve for the lives that were cut short in their journey, though I take hope knowing that God works all things together for good, taking evil and turning it for blessing. While I rejoice in the confidence that God’s goodness always triumphs Satan’s schemes, I do so as an advocate for Christ’s Bride to stand up in her rightful identity, intimacy with God, and intercession lest such a tragedy ever occur again. It’s time to impact our cultures with the love, power, and intimate knowledge of God.

Yesterday, a friend and I were discussing the fact that we are not humans having a spiritual experience, but spirits (having come from the Father of Lights) having a human experience for an appointed time, in an appointed place, for the purposes of God. Oh, if we could but grasp the specialness, the glory of who we are in Christ—the power and authority of the DNA we carry that is meant to release life and healing through our words and touch every where we go! My pastor defines this unique DNA as: Divine Nature Activated!

God wants us to know who we are in Him—not random people living out a few haphazard years on planet earth, subject to the whims of the world, the flesh, and the devil. But Abba’s children on this planet—with Him—living to effect His government on earth as it is in heaven.

There is so much more to life than meets the eye. Today, I pray the Lord fill you with the spirit of wisdom and revelation to know what is the great expectation of your calling in Him. You are wonderfully made and have been given a new identity in Christ as Abba’s child. You have an eternal work to do that begins now, for such a time as this. May you succeed in all that He has called you to, because your identity matters.

J Nicole – Abba’s daughter

Expecting a Life of Miracles

God has been challenging me lately about living with greater expectation of experiencing His miracle power. Christianity isn’t just about personal transformation of alignment with the moral principles of God, but is a daily walk in the power of Christ’s presence. And from what I read in Acts 2:22, His presence means a life of miracles, wonders, and signs: "Jesus of Nazareth, approved by God among you by miracles, wonders, and signs..."

A miracle is “an event or effect contrary to the established constitution and course of things; a deviation from the known laws of nature; a supernatural event”. While God established a natural order to things, giving laws that provide structure, He is not bound by those structures. Such laws were put in place for one thing – the performing of His will. And when those laws and structures have become corrupt or dysfunctional regarding His plans, then He has the power to bring it back into alignment for the fulfilling of His purposes. Light supersedes darkness.

If miracles were a part of life’s “norm” for God’s Son, then it is to be a part of our daily walk with God as His children, too. Jesus experienced miracles in provision (the multiplying of food for the thousands); miracles in finances (finding money in a fish’s mouth—and knowing where to find it); in health (the countless healings of people); deliverance and raising the dead to life.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He hasn’t stopped doing miracles, but still performs the Father’s will through His Body; He continues to heal and provide in miraculous ways for our needs, setting things in accordance with divine order—even if it means altering the structure and rearranging the box of nature’s rules to uphold His divine purposes.

Sometimes we don’t have expectations for miracles because our eyes see the natural circumstances around us and we believe the negative message they tell us. But no matter what your situation, God says to recognize His presence and expect a miracle. Have faith in God who performs all things for you, and who works on behalf of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.

Q4U: What is the miracle you need today? Leave a comment.

pic by: callcentrehelper.com

The Divine Tuning Fork Effect

Words carry power. How often have you felt that someone’s words “rang” true (or not), or that what they said “resonated” within you? Their words stirred you, not with mere interest, but with a grander movement that awakens the heart with a clarion call to rise to a new level.

I experienced that recently from a stranger whose words flowed with waters that refreshed my soul and encouraged my spirit. I was so aware of what was happening inside me, it was like a resonating effect—words that produced a continuing echo of like thought and feeling within me. The Spirit from which this person spoke caused my spirit to move, as it were, at the same frequency.

Words have power because they carry frequency—energy—degrees of light vibration that impact our spirit, soul, and even body. Divine truth carries the greatest degree of light—that’s why God commands us to speak truth in love to edify, encourage, and energize one another to forward momentum on our journey with Christ. As truth and love resonate within us, and we speak it, it causes others to rise, move, and flow in the same energy of that truth.

Satan, too, understands the power of words and uses dark speech to dishearten, demean, discourage, and distract the hearer—words that act like a flow of sludge to clog the heart and make us hesitate, stop, and fall short of our divine call in Christ.

Today, let’s not hesitate to speak words of encouragement to someone who may be weary in well-doing, disillusioned by the cares of life, or detoured from their course. Your words may just well be the tuning fork that lifts their spirit and clears their eyes to see their way again toward their heavenly prize and high calling in Christ.

“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” (Heb. 10:24)

J. Nicole
Knowing God as Papa

The Power of Positive Relationships

God created us for friendship—with Himself and with others. And there is nothing more satisfying than a healthy relationship with not only the Divine, but with another human being. Jesus Himself told His disciples, “I no longer call you servants but friends.” He didn’t want merely their spiritual service, but their friendship. Why? Because friends share dreams; and not only dreams, but difficulties, challenges, and of course, fun times. Lots of them.

It is said that a true friend is someone who can know everything about you and still be your friend. They stick with you—closer than a brother, as King Solomon put it. They encourage and support you. They celebrate you. Their counsel is sweet, even when it’s not what you want to hear, but you know it’s right. They don’t abandon you, slander you, or whisper behind your back. A friend loves at all times (Prov. 17:17).

Medical science shows that friendships are important--that social support brings down our blood pressure and signals our adrenal glands to stop pumping out corticosteroids so that we feel less anxious, less overwrought, less overwhelmed. Strong friendships are one of the most important stress-fighters we have, helping us to live longer, more fulfilled lives.

Think about what friendships you have that need to be strengthened and cultivated, or what new ones need to be made. If you've been hurt in past relationships, forgive and move forward in the friendships God has for you now. Don't let the past hold back your present. Also, real relationships aren’t built over-night or through info-bit exchanges on social networking sites. In our busy lives, we need to make time for friends: prioritize face time, schedule get-togethers, and honor those commitments.

To have friends, you must be a friend. Begin with being a friend with God—sharing His dreams, prioritizing face-to-face time with Him, sharing joyful experiences in His presence. But don’t stop there—call someone; invite them to coffee, dinner, or a movie. Have them over for a game night. Exit your busy schedule for a few minutes to build positive relationships. Relationships are like plants—you need to tend them and keep them if you want them to grow.

Life is meant to be shared. Share it with someone today.


J. Nicole – Abba’s Daughter

The Other Side of the Door: Keys of Access

I’m so grateful for how our Abba Father wants us to understand His world, and what He has given us access to as His children. While Jesus alone holds the keys to death and hell, there are two specific sets of keys that we have been given in Him, specifically: keys of knowledge and the keys of the Kingdom of heaven (Luke 11:52; Matt. 16:19).

Think about it for a moment—those are incredible and strategic rights of admission into vast realms of supernatural dynamics and divine presence! A key gives us access into a room through a door that is otherwise closed and locked. There are rooms in God and His Kingdom that are locked to the unbelieving. But in Christ, we have free access to go in and get what supply, experience, and encounter we need or desire. Yes, desire. Godly desires. They are waiting on the other side of the door. The rooms are infinite and diverse and include: healing, joy, peace, wisdom, deliverance, and glory….to name just a few.

I was thinking about this the other day when our daughter came over for a visit. As an adult she doesn’t live with us anymore, but she has a key to come and go anytime she wants. She has an open access to anything here in our home, the right of entry into a place that is closed and locked to everyone else. But she has a key, because she is family.

Hebrews 2:3 encourages us who are family with God, to not neglect (ignore, overlook, forget) what we’ve been given in Christ. We’ve been given everything we need for life and godliness—for a life of wholeness, power, authority, and fruitfulness in our calling. If you look at the picture above, what do you notice? Whatever room or realm is on the other side of that door, it only becomes available when the key becomes “one” (intimate) with the door. Scripture calls Jesus the Door, and everything in our Father’s Kingdom is offered when we go through the Door. We have the key—the key of access through intimacy with Christ.

Don’t stand outside. Go into Father’s house. He’s waiting for you with open arms. What do you need? Whatever it is, He has it. Put your key of faith in Christ, walk into God’s presence boldly, and receive freely what He has for you.

"The Lord bless you and keep you, and cause His face to shine on you.”

J. Nicole – Abba’s daughter
pic by 42longroadchildrensfilm10blogspot.com

Knowing God as Father

A number of people find it hard to relate to God as “Father” either because an earthly father was absent from the home, or the relationship was difficult, challenging, or perhaps even abusive. But God is a good Father, an ever-present One who never abandons us or abuses us. Rather, He loves us. Deeply. The very healing of the nations (our lives, families, and communities) for which we all desire can only come by one way—when the hearts of the children (us) return to the Father….for His heart has already turned toward us.

“Father God loves us. But if we relate to Him from a painful framework of how earthly fathers or authority figures interacted with us, it can place blocks and filters on the way we interact with Him as our Father. That is a problem, for the very heart and nature of God is that of a Father…a good, near, and personal Father. Worldly philosophies, false doctrines, and even Church traditions can also play into a skewed perception of God. Or we may have a wrong perception of who He is as a Father simply due to ignorance.

We may readily see the Father as great, holy, exalted, and mighty, yet distant or indifferent to our personal needs. Our theology may esteem Him as the omnipotent Heavenly Father of all, while our heart never enters the actual and real experience of trusting and knowing Him as our “Dad”. But just as a healthy relationship with an earthly father is one that grows and deepens through the years, so a healthy relationship with God is one that grows and deepens with an ever unfolding revelation of who He is and who we are to Him.

I can mark the seasons in my life by the different revelations of God I’ve received as He has worked in my life. Each fresh revelation brings breakthrough into a new place of intimacy and fellowship with Him. I came to Christ through the revelation of my need for Him as my Savior. True freedom came when I saw Him as my Lord. As I grew spiritually, He revealed Himself as the Heavenly Lover of my soul. I remember the season when the Holy Spirit revealed Himself to me as my Teacher and Helper. Other seasons have brought deeper fellowship with God as my Deliverer, Counselor, Potter, and Creator….and then came the glorious revelation of Abba Father. I now understand my identity; I know who I am as His treasured daughter.

The whole work of the Son on the cross and at resurrection is to bring us back into intimate fellowship with God as our Father. And the nature of fathering is one of loving, personal relationship.”

“For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, ‘Abba Father’” (Rom. 8:15)

My prayer for you today is that you know the height, depth, width, and breadth of the Father’s love for you. May you know the value that you, yes you, hold in His heart.

J Nicole – excerpt from Being Fathered for a Divine Purpose

Remember

I recently made a trip to Philadelphia, PA where I was delighted by the beautiful architecture and array of statues I saw everywhere. Their presence reminded me of the sacrifice made for this country by men and women who were people of vision, values, and uncompromising devotion to principles. They reminded me that our liberty came at a price.

Today I want to remember something else. It’s my birthday and I’m taking time to remember the goodness of God and the sacrifice He made for my freedom. I’ll never forget when I was in darkness how He brought me into the light of His love and truth; He broke the chains that I could not break off my life. I remember His constant faithfulness throughout the years, and His love that has never failed to keep me growing in my identity as His treasured daughter. I call to mind the purpose and vision of His heart for me, my family, and my nation. I remember and I am thankful.

Abba Father says that while there are some things we need to forget, there are also things we need to remember. My prayer for you today is that you remember what needs to be remembered—like how much He loves you. Recall His goodness and plans for you that are good. Remember His promises for they are true, and that His mercies are new every morning. Remember that He is listening to your every prayer, and He cares for you. Remember that He is able to do far exceeding above all you could ask or think. Remember that with Him all things are possible, and that your labor of love has great reward.

J Nicole – Abba’s daughter
Pic by gallery.moeding.net

Mrs. Jelly Meets Restistance

My current experiences at the gym have been teaching me many spiritual principles—one in particular: Resistance Training. Wikipedia describes RT as “a form of strength training in which effort is performed against a specific opposing force generated by resistance (i.e. resistance to being pushed, squeezed, stretched or bent).” Hmmm. “Training involves both moving against a force as well as holding still against an external force in order to develop muscle and improve over-all health and well-being.”

Not being familiar with the machines at the gym, I hired a trainer. My first introduction to RT was leg-pushing 65 lbs. of weight (20 reps) followed by leg-lifting 55 lbs. of iron. I was to do this routine three times. Mind you, this is my first day at the gym. Ever. By the middle of the first round of leg-lifts, I’m looking painfully at my wiggling thighs and then at my trainer and said, “Really? You’re trying to make this jelly actually DO something?” Realizing my jelly plight, he helped lift the weight as I finished my torture, um, beneficial exercise.

As I limped out of the gym, I thought of how the Holy Spirit as our divine Teacher develops our spiritual well-being through the challenges of life. He stands with us in the midst of opposing and pushy circumstances, empowering us with truth to be strong in faith, not quit, and to resist unbelief. He helps us in our times of weakness when we feel squeezed to the limit, thinking we can’t bear it any more, by making our burden light with His peace. His grace encourages us that He will never put on us more than we can bear, while affirming that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. We feel painfully stretched by situations, but as we listen to our Heavenly Trainer His wisdom enlarges our understanding to persevere with trust in God that builds spiritual muscle and stamina. And when our thoughts and emotions are impacted by some forceful conflict that tempts us to get bent out of shape, His presence fills us with love to oppose offense.

Father isn’t raising wimpy kids. But as Daniel 11:32 states, “those who know their God will be strong and do exploits.” Resistance training not only builds muscle and well-being, but it brings “definition” to our shape. It “defines” us. So the next time you meet some opposing force that is pushing, squeezing, stretching or bending you, look to your Heavenly Trainer for His instructions….and get those jelly limbs moving in the power of His might and the strength of His love.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” Eph. 6:10

J Nicole – Daughter of the All Powerful One
pic by stayfitbug.com

The Power of an Invitation

I have wanted to lose weight and get in shape for at least the past three years. I’ve tried counting calories, trudging the treadmill, and dancing with a DVD…..all without results. Nope, not a pound thinner. Then, a couple of weeks ago, a friend handed me a card and invited me to join her at the gym. It was an invitation that is changing my life.

Her invitation has empowered me toward my goal—I’ve already lost a few pounds and feel more toned. If she hadn’t invited me, I’d still be plodding around my same mountain of frustration. But I’m not, I’m changing. And it wasn’t just about my getting into shape. It was an invitation to relationship—to join her at the gym and journey together in our quest for fitness.

Her action made me think about how a personal invitation can literally change a person’s life. We can all feel “stuck” in some way—whether physically, emotionally or spiritually. I was stuck regarding my fitness and couldn’t find how to get out of my rut, until I got an invitation that would give me the tools needed for change. In fact, as I think of it, every major change in my life has come through an invitation: an invitation to a Bible Study where I received Jesus, to a Home Group where I encountered the person of the Holy Spirit, to a conference where I experienced worship for the first time, to marriage with my wonderful husband, and the list goes on.

We were created in the image of God who extends the greatest invitation of all—relationship with Himself through His Son, Jesus. And for most of us, that invitation came via somebody who told us about that divine invitation!

So here’s my thought in all this: There are many who we meet every day who are trudging around some mountain in life and are just waiting for someone—like you and me—to extend a personal invitation to join us on our journey into greater fitness in spirit, soul, and body. There are hearts that are longing for someone to invite them to get out of their rut and into a greater place of freedom. Today, extend an invitation of relationship to someone. It may just be the invitation that changes their life.

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come’….” Rev. 22:17

J Nicole – Being parented by God

Staying Whole in the Fire

I was hosting a dinner party the other evening and wanted to use special dishes, as it was a special occasion. I had a beautiful white milk glass bowl with an engraved rose designed that I inherited from my grandmother that I thought would be great for the corn. I wasn’t familiar with how durable milk glass is, but as there were a few stains on it I decided to try and clean the bowl by filling it with hot water….boiling hot water. Within seconds the bowl split in two, fell apart, and the water went everywhere. 

As I cleaned up the mess, I reflected on how God, as the Heavenly Potter, works with us, shapes us, and knows our make-up, and yes, allows us to pass through necessary fires that work to change the very fiber of our faith and character—changes that make us useful vessels for Father’s purposes. But unlike what I did with my bowl, His work with us is perfect. And if we crack and break, His love holds us and He starts anew. He doesn’t throw us away.  

My little milk bowl was pretty, but it couldn’t take the heat. But Father isn’t making us pretty little bowls to sit on a shelf, but sons and daughters in His image who go through the fire….a fire that burns away the dross and purifies our walk, until like Him, our feet are as burnished bronze in a world of clay and our eyes aflame, not with judgments, but with divine love. And what’s more, He walks through the fire with us, preparing us for ever greater realms of Kingdom service. 

Peter said to rejoice, even though we are tried by circumstances (as though tested by fire), knowing that something is happening inside us in that very process of firing. Something is changing—what is unsound is becoming sound. Our very structure is being transformed into the likeness of the Son.

If you are going through some fire, trust Father’s care, for you are not just some pretty little bowl, but a vessel of honor that He is shaping for His great purposes through you. Rejoice and give thanks—you will come through without even the smell of smoke on you, and you’ll discover the chains that once hindered you to be no more.

J Nicole – daughter of the King

pic by mysoulrhythms.com

Kingdom R&R - Tag, You're It!

I love the refreshing that some good ole’ R&R brings, but there’s another R&R the Holy Spirit has been impressing on me more than ever for this hour—something important that you and I have and the world needs. It’s the Receive & Release of the anointing within us: what we receive, we are to give. We have been “tagged”—touched—by the love and power of God, and this is what we touch others with as we reach out beyond ourselves.

Many of Abba’s children don’t fully understand what they have inside them—a Kingdom of authority to heal the ills of fallen mankind and free an earth in bondage. Jesus demonstrated it: He healed the sick, cast out demons, multiplied bread, and silenced storms. The Spirit of Jesus lives in every child of God and this is how He means to live! Loving and caring for others is who we are. The Word says we have His same anointing abiding in us, empowering us with authority over sickness, demon activity, death, oppression, and even over earth’s elements as keepers of the earth.

We are not mere business people, teachers or parents. We are vessels filled with a healing, delivering anointing for our homes, communities, and nation….conduits, not containers with lids.

So how do we release the power of the anointing? Simple active faith—acting on what we hear God say. And here’s the kicker: the more we act on what we hear the more clearly we hear, and the more we hear, the more we act….the greater our faith grows in confidence to release the anointing within us. The opposite is true as well: the less we act on what we hear, the duller our hearing becomes: faith to release what’s been imparted diminishes.

Many of God’s children feel they can’t hear Him. But we can! Mostly it’s a matter of learning His language and recognizing His Voice. However, some of our hearing problems also stem from being taught a religious value system of “believe and receive”, but not to release the anointing we have. The prophet Isaiah (prophets know a lot about hearing God) said that an inability to hear God is often a result of a “heart full of fat”. Fat is a build-up of stored oils—an excess of oil consumption and not enough oil burning action. Stored oil clogs our spiritual ears.

Did you hear that? Not enough oil burning action going on! Taking it in, but not using it dulls our hearing. Father wants us to use what we’ve been given. Don’t let someone or some spirit dupe you into believing that you have nothing to give. Release that oil and you’ll start to see how much more clear you hear as faith rises in you to do the works you are meant to do. You will be surprised how God will use you! It’s so simple—just a word, just a touch, can release heaven and change a life. I know. I’ve experienced it, and I’ve seen it displayed over and over again.

It’s not an absence of the anointing that hinders us as Abba’s children, but a veil over our understanding of who we are and our divine DNA that wants to release heaven throughout our earthly day. It time to take off the shroud and burn some oil. “Freely have you received, freely give.” Tag, you’re it. Now go touch someone today!

J Nicole - Basking in the Son

Siblings: Committed to One Another

I’m learning a deeper realm of commitment to others lately—a broader understanding that springs from the intimate knowledge of God’s commitment to us and how He wants that same commitment of love to motivate our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

As God’s children, we are not only intimately connected to Him but to one another. We are family. Of the same Spirit. Kindred. Siblings. For some, the term “family” conjures up painful thoughts. To others it’s a delight. But just as God is a Good Father, He is teaching us how to be good siblings, kind siblings, loving siblings who love one another deeply—seeing past the flesh and failings to view one another by the Spirit, seeing one another’s true identity and divine destiny….to understand we are connected to one another with a responsibility to that relationship.

In American culture, we are not only prone to live naturally independent lives, but spiritually independent lives too. We may or may not attend church gatherings. We may be involved in church programs, committees, or ministry. But the real question is: how deeply are we committed to love one another, stick by one another, support one another until each comes into the fullness of who God created them to be? How much do we cherish our siblings with favor? Are we inclusive or exclusive? 

Do we continually encourage them? Affirm them? Treat them with invitations to fellowship? Are we as hospitable with our siblings as Father God is with us? Or are we only concerned about our own spiritual walk and well-being? When Paul said, “That I may know Him in the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable to His death,” I think he must have been thinking not only about his relationship with the Lord, but his relationship with others, too. Why? Because the sufferings of Christ were for the world and all who would become His brothers and sisters.

The bond of fellowship, hospitality, and caring for one another was a core value of the early church. They were committed to fellowship with God and one another, not in mere words, but in authentic display of love. After all, the church wasn’t birthed from a divine encounter of one, but of the outpouring of God’s Spirit upon one hundred and twenty waiting on God, in fellowship together. If we are only concerned about God’s commitment to us and not His commitment in us toward one another, then we are having an incomplete God encounter in our lives. Why? Because the nature of God is family. No wonder Jesus prayed, “Father, make them one even as We are one.” He knew our self-centered, independent nature, and the dynamics of the flesh that stumbles over one another’s faults.

1 Peter 4:8 says, “Love one another deeply, for love covers a multitude of sins.” I’m joining my prayer today with the Son in asking: Father make us one. Teach us to be committed to one another even as You are committed to us. Begin with my heart.

J Nicole – Being Fathered for a Divine Purpose

Committed to the Process

I was talking with a young man this morning who is reading my book Being Fathered for a Divine Purpose. He commented how thankful he is that God, as a parent, is committed to him. Through thick and thin, God as a parent IS committed to walk with us, help us grow, and nurture us to full development in our identity as His children. Perhaps because of life circumstances, difficult family dynamics or how we see ourselves, this is something we are continually learning to wrap our minds around. Learning to trust.

As a parent, I know what it is to feel a tenacious love toward my children—a love that fights for their future and invests in their well-being and development. At this very moment I’m watching the news of a couple who are searching Spain for their disappeared son—desperate for news that he’s alright. They are fighting for his future. I pray he is found and well. 

As parents we work with different temperaments and stages in our children’s life. We love and are learning to love. And while our learning may be imperfect, I think what a child wants to know most is—are you committed to me? To love me on my journey no matter what it looks like at the moment? Will you keep investing in me and not give up? 

God’s parental love is that kind of love. And what’s more, there is no imperfection in Him—no lack of patience, no misjudgments, no false assumptions, no over reactions. His love is relentless, consistent, full of mercy, will not give up on us, leave us, or get tired of us. He believes in us even when we don’t believe in ourselves. He corrects us because He sees our destiny and works tirelessly with us in gentleness and grace toward that end. 

So when those thoughts come that make you question your value to Him, remember: Abba Father greatly values you, loves you, and is perfectly committed to you as His child.

“He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.” Philippians 1:6

J. Nicole –

Knowing God as Papa

Recovering the Song Within

Last week on the evening news, I saw a report about the recovery of a famous conductor’s piano concerto that had been banned by the Nazis in WWII. Paul Kletzki, born 1900, was a brilliant composer and gifted conductor who gained recognition in Europe prior to the war. In January, 1933, just when Kletzki was set to become the principle conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Adolf Hitler rose to power. Kletzki, a Jew, was suddenly in fear of his life, his work suppressed. As were all Jewish composers.

Kletzki was barred from conducting, his works burned, even the copperplates on which his works were published were melted down. And worst of all, his parents and sister were sent to Auschwitz where they were killed. While Kletzki was able to escape to Switzerland, one of his prize compositions, a Piano Concerto in D Minor, was left hidden in a hotel in Italy. The hotel burned down.  However, years later the composition was discovered, in tact, in a trunk under the rubble. Nevertheless, Kletzki wanted nothing to do with it. It was a painful memory of a traumatic time. He had resolved to leave his gift of composing largely to the pre-war days and continued his career with a focus on conducting and teaching.

In light of this, the T.V. newscaster made an interesting comment saying, “He lost his will to compose.” I thought: how many times have we laid down a God-given gift, a divine dream or call of God because of painful circumstances that came against us and our gift? We lost our will to continue that path. We no longer wanted to go there. Been there.

But our Abba Father is the Reviver of dreams, Healer of the heart, and Liberator from lucifer’s schemes that try to suppress our inspiration. God is the Restorer of the song within, that heavenly melody that resonates with hope—the joyful expectation of good. His goodness is the confidence of the ages that stands as an ensign to weary travelers that God is able to do far exceedingly above what we could ask or think. I know.

If you have a God-given dream that has died because of painful circumstances, I want to encourage you today that His plans for you are good and that it is He who performs all things for you. He works in you the encouraged will to do His great pleasure. And as a Father, your life and purpose are His great pleasure. How much He loves you.

J. Nicole

Being Fathered for a Divine Purpose

Imprints

I woke up this morning thinking about the imprint of a hand—how it symbolizes the impression of our words and actions that we leave on other’s lives. I awakened thinking in particular of the imprint of my mother’s hand on my life as she passed into eternity. It was a sting, an unjust blow I still feel as it wasn’t that long ago. But I also feel Abba’s healing love at work….and I know He works all things together for good.

We encounter people every day—friends, strangers, co-workers, family—upon whom we leave imprints: impressions on the heart that either encourages or discourages, edifies or tears down. Our words and actions make a difference whether we realize it or not. Like footsteps in the sand that leave a mark of where we’ve been, our hands leave imprints of where we’ve been every time we offer a helping hand, give a pat on the back, extend a warm hand-shake, write a thank-you, provide support, present a smile. These imprints can make someone’s day, or even change a life.

Our hands can leave other imprints too. Imprints that can last a life time for some. The slap of a face, unkind words written in a letter, the arms that refuse to embrace, the finger that too quickly presses “unfriend” on Facebook, the hand that betrays.

Our imprints are not only left on others, but on ourselves as well. Honorable actions build good character and a right spirit. Dishonorable actions build bad character and destroy our own soul. I admit to both. But my prayer today as Abba’s child is to not only receive the healing imprint of His love that ministers grace where another’s imprint has left a wound, but that my imprint to others would be nothing less than His love.

J. Nicole

Being Fathered for a Divine Purpose

The Rest of the Story

The other day, a woman dressed in a beautiful sari came into the office for an eye exam (I work at a vision center). As I began the testing, she commented, “I remember you—you prayed for me last year.” I remembered her too, recalling how she approached our glass doors, hobbling on one foot in terrible pain. I rushed to get her a rolling chair and tried to make her as comfortable as possible. Touched by her situation, I asked if I could pray for her. She said yes, and I did.

Now, my co-workers are used to the practice of praying for patients. Together we see God’s love and power at work. But this time there was a pause - could I, you know, say the "Name"? After all, this woman was of Hindu faith, and I of Christian. But Jesus’ love knows no bounds, no race, no religious affiliation, no status. Neither is there fear of man’s opinion in His love. Without hesitation, I put my hands gently around her ankle, and spoke life, healing, and the name I love most—Jesus. I felt His overwhelming love for her. Now, a year later, she wanted to tell me the rest of the story.

That day I had prayed, her ankle did get better. She said, “God touched me.” However, three months later the symptoms reappeared. She remembered what I did, so she put her hands on her ankle and asked God to heal her. And He did! Again, she knew it was the Divine touch that made her well.  She shared the experience with her mother-in-law who exclaimed, “What you are saying gives me goose bumps!” How exciting—an encounter with the One who heals!

Some might ask, “Well, did she say the Name”? But that isn’t the point here.  It is that someone showed her the reality of God’s love and power. Later, when she remembered and turned to Him in simple faith, His grace met her. And she was thankful. I’ve learned how faithful the Holy Spirit is to water the simple seeds of faith we sow as we live in intimacy with God. He will continue the work He begins in a person’s heart and life. Perhaps when we get to heaven we will learn all the “rest of the stories” of how our words and actions have touched people with the love of God. For now, I want to continue to influence the world with the power of His love, one person at a time.

J. Nicole

Knowing God as Papa

The Law and the Profit

Nope. Not about money….though it could be! As I’m moving forward this year into fresh starts, I’ve had a reoccurring thought: Father, teach me the difference between what is lawful and what is profitable. Here's what I mean. 

I looked up the word “profit,” it means: to move forward, advance in such a way as to bring improvement, gain, what is useful or advantageous (any state or condition favorable to success). Hmm….remember my last post? I love it when God continues to unfold a theme to me. It’s like being on a treasure hunt!

Now the “lawful” things I’m referring to are not the items on an approved list—you know, the rules. I tend not to think rules so much as a lifestyle of love and honor. Love, after all, is the goal. Nevertheless, there are things that Father says “no” to in my life (and lots of yes’s!). Then there are the in-between. Not gray. Just “lawful” but not “profitable” - as Paul put it.

These may include my choice of food, the way I spend my time, etc. I want to move forward with personal projects, business ventures, personal study, and relationships, but I need optimal time and energy. That means I need to take inventory of how I spend my time, manage it wisely, cut off some activities that prevent me from more important ones. It also means making some changes in what I eat in order to have good energy.  Good-bye Taco Bell and Twinkies….well, maybe an occasional Twinkie.

Father wants each of us to move forward in the destiny He has for us. We can work with Him by creating favorable conditions to our own success! I’m starting by asking Him to show me where I can move beyond “lawful” into “profitable”. As I note and put them into practice, I expect it will result in a more profitable year. And who knows—maybe it will also transpire into financial gain as well!

J. Nicole

Abba sure loves us!

Brand New Skates

I woke up recently with an old song playing in my head, “I’ve got a brand new pair of roller skates, you’ve got a brand new key.” Weird. Where did that come from? Sometimes it’s just cerebral randomness. Sometimes it’s God talking. He loves to be creative like that.

I recognized the Voice and knew what it was about. For the past three years I’ve felt like I’ve been at a stand still. No momentum with dreams, desires, direction, and no end in sight. Certain activities, involvements—good things, God things—just stopped.  I’ve always been active helping others. I love to give, serve. I had even felt the Lord speak to my heart to “run” (pull out the stops) just before the brakes hit. I was excited. I was ready. I was prepared to launch ahead, with speed! Then the track vanished and a brick wall appeared.  I was confused, and I didn’t handle the change as well as I should have. Thank God for grace.

God, however, let me know it was Him. During that time I had days of faith and days of whining – you know the routine: “Are we there yet?” Then we rounded the corner entering 2011 and I heard Him say, “It’s time to move forward. You’ve rested long enough.” What? Now I’m comfortable. Rest is good! ….fickle humans.

I’ve always believed in God’s timing, but I’ve never seen such a demarcation of seasons as I have with this one. When God said rest, that’s exactly what I did....whether I liked it or not. I could knock, kick, pray, make declarations, fast, whatever, but when He closed the door, it was shut. Period. Like Job said, “He’s walled up my way so that I cannot pass!” Father knows what He’s doing in my life, even when I don’t.

Now the other side of that coin is when He says, “Go!” All the sudden (and I do mean all the sudden), I go! Momentum picks up, doors open, relationships take a fresh turn. He’s given me new wheels, but He has the key.

There truly is a time for everything, and whatever time we’re in we can be confident that our times are in His hands, and His plans for us are fabulous! He knows what He’s doing, even when we don’t. We just have to trust His love.

J Nicole

Abba’s daughter  

The Freshness of a New Day

At the turn of this year, God spoke to me about it being a new day, and that the way before me was like a snow covered field - everything fresh. Fresh snow means no old foot prints are seen. Not mine. Not someone elses. It’s a picture of a new beginning as the old is covered.

Sometimes as I am trying to move forward into a new day, it’s easy to look at the tracks where I or others have walked – maybe where someone has walked over me, or where I’ve stumbled and fell. But fresh snow covers old prints with a blanket of grace.

As I pondered on this picture I prayed, God, I don’t want to bring my past into my future. I don’t want the past to be the focus of my today. Let grace like snow cover the tracks of yesterday. Let my eyes see only the freshness of today with You.

I then thought about the relationships I am in and the need to let go of old hurts—the need to cover past imprints with love and forgiveness so that their voice no longer speak to me. And in doing so, I can move forward in fresh relationship for the new day.

I’m grateful for Father’s love that covers old tracks and makes grace like snow possible for a bright today.

Abba Father loves you.

J Nicole

The Joy of Authentic Living

The word “authentic” is a popular word in our culture of late. People are looking for authenticity in the midst of a world of hype and illusion, tired of copies rather than originals. I know I am. I’m tired of the reprints I’ve gazed on and embraced (both rebel and religious) that define life and style after a man-made, self-made pattern—copies I see in the media, in society, and even in church that falsely promise an increase in personal merit based on performance or someone’s validation. Such reproductions only serve to cloak who I really am as Abba’s child: a daughter of light, a woman of worth, of divine purpose and quantum wealth.

The term “Authentic” declares a thing to be unique and original as opposed to fake or a reproduction. It is the affirmation of a distinctive work and its author, creator, or composer. God is The Author of all life, of my life, and He has a distinctive design for me. I’ve discovered that to pursue a design other than His original intent will only make me an unoriginal copy, or worse, a fake. The world makes copies, religion makes reprints, but God intricately shapes His children in His likeness and in the beauty of how He uniquely and wonderfully created each one with specific gifts, talents, and even tastes!

Satan tries to shroud the truth of our uniqueness, that we are a beautiful creation for a specific purpose, a divine reason for an eternal season—part of an important plan set in motion from before time began. There’s no one else like me or you. Abba wants us to know and enjoy who He is and who we are—unafraid of other’s opinions, to go, to do, to be a child who is learning the freedom of authentic living as Abba’s child.

So how can you learn to live more authentically? Ask the Author. He alone can highlight the glorious gem within you, bring out the gifts of the Spirit He’s given you, and show you the unique work He has for you to do…and set you free like a butterfly on the wings of His love to soar a supernatural lifestyle with Him.

Abba Father loves you!